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Diagnostic Medical Sonographers

Summary

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Video transcript available at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GYLfPP0UQWw.
Quick Facts: Diagnostic Medical Sonographers
2024 Median Pay $89,340 per year
$42.95 per hour
Typical Entry-Level Education Associate's degree
Work Experience in a Related Occupation None
On-the-job Training None
Number of Jobs, 2024 90,000
Job Outlook, 2024–34 13% (Much faster than average)
Employment Change, 2024–34 11,700

What Diagnostic Medical Sonographers Do

Diagnostic medical sonographers operate ultrasound equipment to create images of inside the body.

Work Environment

Diagnostic medical sonographers usually work in healthcare settings, such as hospitals and offices of physicians. Most work full time.

How to Become a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer

Diagnostic medical sonographers typically need at least an associate’s degree or a postsecondary certificate. Some workers need a license or certification.

Pay

The median annual wage for diagnostic medical sonographers was $89,340 in May 2024.

Job Outlook

Employment of diagnostic medical sonographers is projected to grow 13 percent from 2024 to 2034, much faster than the average for all occupations.

About 5,800 openings for diagnostic medical sonographers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

State & Area Data

Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for diagnostic medical sonographers.

Similar Occupations

Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of diagnostic medical sonographers with similar occupations.

More Information, Including Links to O*NET

Learn more about diagnostic medical sonographers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.

What Diagnostic Medical Sonographers Do About this section

Diagnostic medical sonographer looking at an image on a computer
Diagnostic medical sonographers use high-frequency sound waves to produce images of the inside of the body.

Diagnostic medical sonographers, also called ultrasound technicians, operate special equipment to create images of inside the body. They work closely with physicians and surgeons, who view the images to assess and diagnose medical conditions.

Duties

Diagnostic medical sonographers typically do the following:

  • Prepare patients by explaining the procedure to them and answering their questions
  • Prepare exam rooms and maintain diagnostic imaging equipment
  • Properly position patients for imaging
  • Operate equipment to obtain diagnostic images
  • Review images to check for quality and adequate coverage of the areas needed for diagnoses
  • Analyze results for abnormalities and other diagnostic information and provide a summary of findings to physicians
  • Record findings and keep track of patients’ records

Diagnostic medical sonographers specialize in creating images, known as sonograms or ultrasounds, that depict the body’s organs and tissues. Sonography is often the first imaging test performed when disease is suspected.

Sonography uses high-energy sound waves to produce images of the inside of the body. The sonographer uses an instrument called a transducer to scan parts of the patient’s body that are being examined. The transducer emits pulses of sound that bounce back, causing echoes. The echoes form an image on a computer that physicians use for diagnosis.

The following are types of diagnostic medical sonographers:

Abdominal sonographers specialize in imaging a patient’s abdominal cavity and nearby organs, such as the kidney, liver, gallbladder, pancreas, and spleen. Abdominal sonographers may assist with biopsies or other examinations requiring ultrasound guidance.

Breast sonographers specialize in imaging a patient’s breast tissue. Sonography can confirm the presence of cysts and tumors that may have been detected by the patient, the physician, or a mammogram. Breast sonographers assist with procedures that track tumors and help to provide information that will aid physicians in making decisions about treatment options for breast cancer patients. 

Cardiac sonographers (echocardiographers) specialize in imaging a patient’s heart. They use ultrasound equipment to examine the heart’s chambers, valves, and vessels. An echocardiogram may be performed either while the patient is resting or after the patient has been physically active. Cardiac sonographers also may take echocardiograms of fetal hearts so that physicians can diagnose cardiac conditions during pregnancy. 

Musculoskeletal sonographers specialize in imaging muscles, ligaments, tendons, and joints. These sonographers may assist with ultrasound guidance for injections, or during surgical procedures, that deliver medication or treatment directly to affected tissues. 

Pediatric sonographers specialize in imaging of children and infants. Many of the medical conditions they image are associated with premature births or birth defects. Pediatric sonographers may work closely with pediatricians and other caregivers. 

Obstetric and gynecologic sonographers specialize in imaging the female reproductive system. For example, many pregnant women receive sonograms to track the baby’s growth and health.

Vascular technologists (vascular sonographers) create images of blood vessels and collect data that help physicians diagnose disorders affecting blood flow. Vascular technologists often evaluate blood flow and identify blocked arteries or blood clots.

Work Environment About this section

Diagnostic medical sonographer working with a patient
Diagnostic medical sonographers may perform procedures at patients' bedsides.

Diagnostic medical sonographers held about 90,000 jobs in 2024. The largest employers of diagnostic medical sonographers were as follows:

Hospitals; state, local, and private 57%
Offices of physicians 21
Medical and diagnostic laboratories 10
Outpatient care centers 4
Self-employed workers 2

Diagnostic medical sonographers complete most of their work at diagnostic imaging machines in dimly lit rooms. They may need to stand for long periods and to lift or turn patients who are ill or disabled.

Diagnostic medical sonographers work as part of a team that includes physicians and surgeons, registered nurses, and other healthcare workers.

Work Schedules

Most diagnostic medical sonographers work full time. Because they may work in medical facilities that are always open, they may have shifts that include evenings, weekends, or overnights.

How to Become a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer About this section

Diagnostic medical sonographer scanning a young pregnant woman with an ultrasonic transducer
Sonography programs usually include a clinical component in which students work in a medical facility.

Diagnostic medical sonographers typically need at least an associate’s degree or a postsecondary certificate. Some sonographers need a license or certification.

Education

High school students who are interested in becoming a diagnostic medical sonographer may benefit from taking classes in anatomy, physiology, physics, and math.

Two- and 4-year colleges and universities offer associate’s and bachelor’s degree programs in sonography. Certificate programs also are available from colleges and some hospitals.

Sonography programs usually include courses in anatomy, medical terminology, and applied sciences, as well as specialized instruction in areas such as abdominal or breast sonography. Programs also typically include a clinical component in which students earn credit while working under the direction of an experienced worker in a hospital, a physician’s office, or an imaging laboratory.

Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations

Some diagnostic medical sonographers need a state-issued license. Information on state licensing board requirements is available from CareerOneStop.

Employers may require or prefer that these workers earn professional certification, which helps to show competency in the field. Information on certifications is available from CareerOneStop.

These workers also may need basic life support (BLS) or cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certification.

Important Qualities

The following are examples of qualities that are important for these workers to perform their duties. For more information, visit the Employment Projections (EP) skills data page.

Communication skills. Diagnostic medical sonographers must be able to explain procedures to patients in an understandable way. They also must convey information clearly when discussing images with physicians and other members of the healthcare team.

Detail oriented. Diagnostic medical sonographers must follow precise instructions to obtain the images needed to diagnose and treat patients. They also must pay attention to the images they produce, because healthy and unhealthy areas may be subtle.

Hand–eye coordination. To get quality images, diagnostic medical sonographers must accurately move equipment on the patient’s body in response to what they see on the screen.

Interpersonal skills. Diagnostic medical sonographers work closely with patients, including those who may be in pain, so they should be patient and understanding. They also must be able to work well with others on the healthcare team.

Physical stamina. Diagnostic medical sonographers stand for long periods and must be able to lift and move patients who need assistance.

Technical skills. Diagnostic medical sonographers must understand how to operate complex machinery and computerized instruments.

Pay About this section

Diagnostic Medical Sonographers

Median annual wages, May 2024

Diagnostic medical sonographers

$89,340

Health technologists and technicians

$54,270

Total, all occupations

$49,500

 

Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics

The median annual wage for diagnostic medical sonographers was $89,340 in May 2024. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $64,760, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $123,170.

In May 2024, the median annual wages for diagnostic medical sonographers in the top industries in which they worked were as follows:

Outpatient care centers $123,610
Hospitals; state, local, and private 90,070
Offices of physicians 89,450
Medical and diagnostic laboratories 83,200

Most diagnostic medical sonographers work full time. Because they may work in medical facilities that are always open, they may have shifts that include evenings, weekends, or overnights.

Job Outlook About this section

Diagnostic Medical Sonographers

Percent change in employment, projected 2024–34

Diagnostic medical sonographers

13%

Health technologists and technicians

6%

Total, all occupations

3%

 

Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program

Employment of diagnostic medical sonographers is projected to grow 13 percent from 2024 to 2034, much faster than the average for all occupations.

About 5,800 openings for diagnostic medical sonographers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

Employment

With an aging population, the need to diagnose medical conditions that affect older adults, such as tumors, will likely increase. As a result, demand for diagnostic medical sonographers is expected to grow as they use ultrasound technology to help physicians diagnose these conditions. The many and expanding uses of sonography in various medical specialties also is expected to increase employment demand for these workers.

Employment projections data for diagnostic medical sonographers, 2024–34
Occupational Title SOC Code Employment, 2024 Projected Employment, 2034 Change, 2024–34 Employment by Industry
Percent Numeric

SOURCE: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program

Diagnostic medical sonographers

 29-2032 90,000 101,700 13 11,700 Get data

State & Area Data About this section

Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS)

The Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program produces employment and wage estimates annually for over 800 occupations. These estimates are available for the nation as a whole, for individual states, and for metropolitan and nonmetropolitan areas. The link below goes to OEWS data maps for employment and wages by state and area. Use the dropdown boxes to select an occupation.

Projections Central

Occupational employment projections are developed for all states by Labor Market Information (LMI) or individual state Employment Projections offices. All state projections data are available at www.projectionscentral.org. Information on this site allows projected employment growth for an occupation to be compared among states or to be compared within one state. In addition, states may produce projections for areas; there are links to each state’s websites where these data may be retrieved.

CareerOneStop

CareerOneStop includes hundreds of occupational profiles with data available by state and metro area. There are links in the left-hand side menu to compare occupational employment by state and occupational wages by local area or metro area. There is also a salary info tool to search for wages by zip code.

Similar Occupations About this section

This table shows a list of occupations with job duties that are similar to those of diagnostic medical sonographers.

Occupation Job Duties ENTRY-LEVEL EDUCATION Help on Entry-Level Education 2024 MEDIAN PAY Help on Median Pay
A cardiovascular technician looking at a computer screen while a patient walks on a treadmill during a stress test Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians

Cardiovascular technologists and technicians conduct tests and assist in procedures involving the heart or lungs.

 Associate's degree $67,260
Medical and clinical laboratory technologists and technicians Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians

Clinical laboratory technologists and technicians perform medical laboratory tests for the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease.

 Bachelor's degree $61,890
Nuclear medicine technologists Nuclear Medicine Technologists

Nuclear medicine technologists prepare and administer radioactive drugs for imaging or treatment.

 Associate's degree $97,020
Radiation therapists Radiation Therapists

Radiation therapists administer doses of radiation to patients who have cancer or other serious diseases.

 Associate's degree $101,990
Radiologic technologists Radiologic and MRI Technologists

Radiologic technologists perform diagnostic imaging examinations on patients. MRI technologists operate magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanners to create diagnostic images.

 Associate's degree $78,980
Registered nurses Registered Nurses

Registered nurses (RNs) provide and coordinate patient care and educate patients and the public about various health conditions.

 Bachelor's degree $93,600
Respiratory therapists Respiratory Therapists

Respiratory therapists care for patients who have trouble breathing—for example, because of a chronic condition such as asthma.

 Associate's degree $80,450
Surgical technologists Surgical Assistants and Technologists

Surgical assistants and technologists help with surgical operations.

 Postsecondary nondegree award $62,480
Suggested citation:

Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Diagnostic Medical Sonographers,
at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/diagnostic-medical-sonographers.htm (visited August 28, 2025).

Last Modified Date: Thursday, August 28, 2025

What They Do

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Work Environment

The Work Environment tab includes the number of jobs held in the occupation and describes the workplace, the level of physical activity expected, and typical hours worked. It may also discuss the major industries that employed the occupation. This tab may also describe opportunities for part-time work, the amount and type of travel required, any safety equipment that is used, and the risk of injury that workers may face.

How to Become One

The How to Become One tab describes how to prepare for a job in the occupation. This tab can include information on education, training, work experience, licensing and certification, and important qualities that are required or helpful for entering or working in the occupation.

Pay

The Pay tab describes typical earnings and how workers in the occupation are compensated—annual salaries, hourly wages, commissions, tips, or bonuses. Within every occupation, earnings vary by experience, responsibility, performance, tenure, and geographic area. For most profiles, this tab has a table with wages in the major industries employing the occupation. It does not include pay for self-employed workers, agriculture workers, or workers in private households because these data are not collected by the Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, the source of BLS wage data in the OOH.

State & Area Data

The State and Area Data tab provides links to state and area occupational data from the Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program, state projections data from Projections Central, and occupational information from the Department of Labor's CareerOneStop.

Job Outlook

The Job Outlook tab describes the factors that affect employment growth or decline in the occupation, and in some instances, describes the relationship between the number of job seekers and the number of job openings.

Similar Occupations

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Contacts for More Information

The More Information tab provides the Internet addresses of associations, government agencies, unions, and other organizations that can provide additional information on the occupation. This tab also includes links to relevant occupational information from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET).

2024 Median Pay

The wage at which half of the workers in the occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. Median wage data are from the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics survey. In May 2024, the median annual wage for all workers was $49,500.

On-the-job Training

Additional training needed (postemployment) to attain competency in the skills needed in this occupation.

Entry-level Education

Typical level of education that most workers need to enter this occupation.

Work experience in a related occupation

Work experience that is commonly considered necessary by employers, or is a commonly accepted substitute for more formal types of training or education.

Number of Jobs, 2024

The employment, or size, of this occupation in 2024, which is the base year of the 2024–34 employment projections.

Job Outlook, 2024-34

The projected percent change in employment from 2024 to 2034. The average growth rate for all occupations is 3 percent.

Employment Change, 2024-34

The projected numeric change in employment from 2024 to 2034.

Entry-level Education

Typical level of education that most workers need to enter this occupation.

On-the-job Training

Additional training needed (postemployment) to attain competency in the skills needed in this occupation.

Employment Change, projected 2024-34

The projected numeric change in employment from 2024 to 2034.

Growth Rate (Projected)

The percent change of employment for each occupation from 2024 to 2034.

Projected Number of New Jobs

The projected numeric change in employment from 2024 to 2034.

Projected Growth Rate

The projected percent change in employment from 2024 to 2034.

2024 Median Pay

The wage at which half of the workers in the occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. Median wage data are from the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics survey. In May 2024, the median annual wage for all workers was $49,500.